Road Cycling Essentials

[Jonny69]

Right, it's getting frickin cold this week. Lets talk cold weather gear. I'm wearing tights, long windproof-ish shorts, t-shirt, long sleeve lycra top, rab fleece thing and gloves and I'm freezing my ass off in the evening.

I'm thinking of ditching one of the layers and getting a windproof; something like the Gore Windstopper (running kit and there's a cycling version), the Berghaus version (walking), a really reflective Night Vision (which is billed as a waterproof), and I can't remember if I tried on a Madison Tempest or an Endura Stealth.

My needs are annoying because I cycle for 20 minutes then stand around on station platforms getting cold for another 50 minutes. I also run and hike so anything that can serve a dual purpose is a bonus.

What do you all wear when it gets really cold? Am I going the right way about this, ie trying to keep the wind out? Currently going through old posts in case I've missed anything.

 

[Jonny69]

Quit? If I get cold I just pedal harder. At the moment I'm overdressing in socks, sealskinz socks, roubaix tights, l/s base, l/s jersey, mitts, cap and jacket. TBH I've been sweating like a pig but it's been kept between the base and the jersey so I'm not uncomfortable.

When it gets a colder I'll change my shoes for boots, add shorts over the tights, change the jersey for a double layer or roubaix one, add a buff, change the cap for a windstopper skullcap and change the mitts for long finger windstopper gloves with glove liners

I'm wearing DHB bib tights, Craft l/s base top, DHB fleece lined l/s jersey, everyday socks & boxers, winter DHB gloves.

Dumb question time:

1. What is l/s? (from the above posts)

2. Is a buff a tube shaped scarf thing, what I would normally call a snood?

3. Castelli Squadra was mentioned as a windproof. Is that a thin waterproof type thing or something a bit more substantial? I don't think I saw that make/model in Evans earlier.

4. dhb jacket was also mentioned as a windproof. Something like the dhb Wisp at Wiggle for £30?

 

[VaderDSL]

I assume l/s is longsleeve, as for the other, no idea.

 

[Jonny69]

Seriously? If it's that then I'm going to go and stand in the corner with my dunce hat on

 

[6thElement]

Someone ready the pointy hat with a D on the front

l/s is long sleeve, a buff is a tube scarf thingy, yes.

 

[[DOD]Asprilla]

Seriously? If it's that then I'm going to go and stand in the corner with my dunce hat on

I like that hat, it suits you

 

[Jonny ///M]

The altura transformer is nice as you can change it back to a short sleeve top from the long sleeve. It's like a budget version of the castelli radiation jacket(which my boss has )They also do a night vision windproof if you want to be more visible and will be a bit heavier than the transformer.

I'm riding with a tshirt,sort of winter longsleave jersey,a reflective cheapo jacket and a buff. Altura attack trousers if it's wet and altura airstream overshoes(which keep my toes really warm it seems after cycling in the dry tonight without them).

 

[BlackDragon]

At the moment I wear padded lycra shorts, and then tights on top to cover my lower legs. On the upper body I wear a sports t-shirt and an Altura waterproof/windproof jacket which is brilliant for keeping me warm.

I also wear a buff to keep the wind from going down my neck.

I feel a bit of a chill when I step out of the building in the morning, but once I'm cycling I warm up quickly (and don't overheat) and stay warm for a while.

 

[Saundie]

I've been wearing a short sleeved base layer and dhb arm warmers under a Madison Trail jersey, a pair of Sealskinz "all weather" gloves and my usual Tenn Outdoors 3/4 length shorts and skate shoes. The only part of me that seems to get cold is my hands, otherwise I'm comfortable.

It is going to be too cold for the 3/4 length shorts soon though, and with snow forecast for the weekend, I'm seriously considering getting something to cover my legs. Not sure if leg warmers would be sufficient, or if I should get some tights. I'm also on the lookout for warmer gloves; these "All Weather" Sealskinz ones just don't keep my hands warm any more. I would appreciate some suggestions from the more experienced winter cyclists

 

[Jonny69]

Tights make a big difference under your shorts, I can recommend them.

 

[Saundie]

Tights make a big difference under your shorts, I can recommend them.

Would something like this make much difference? I'm only just starting to feel the cold on my lower body, but it's going to get even colder over the next few weeks. I'm more concerned about my hands, I'm sick of them being numb after just 15 minutes of cycling. I'm considering getting something like these Altura winter gloves as they look as though they'd be warmer, but I'm not sure how much they would restrict movement.

 

[oddjob62]

Would something like this make much difference?

I always go for bibs over tights. Bibs block that nasty feeling when the little area in the middle that can get exposed if your shorts drop down or jacket rides up.

 

[Saundie]

I always go for bibs over tights. Bibs block that nasty feeling when the little area in the middle that can get exposed if your shorts drop down or jacket rides up.

The thing that puts me off bibs is that I doubt they'll fit me properly; I'm 5'9 with a 28" inside leg. If I go with tights, I can wear them slightly above my navel so that they fit me in the leg, but I won't be able to do that with bibs. Then there's the fact that I have a 36" waist to contend with...

 

[Jonny ///M]

The night vision gloves are pretty nice. They have a lightweight insert which you can use once it warms up.

 

[platypus]

Another day, another p*ture. Really not having a lot of luck at the moment.

And I think my rear dérailleur is damaged.

 

[Saundie]

Another day, another p*ture. Really not having a lot of luck at the moment.

And I think my rear dérailleur is damaged.

Time to go fixed?

 

[Jonny69]

In my news I borrowed a rain mac this morning to see if blocking the wind out would help. Yes it did and I arrived very hot and sweaty, but a lot warmer at the start of the ride. Looks like I can shed a few layers, so the ultra thin windproof is what I'm looking for. Just need to find one that won't leave me looking too silly while walking down the road and we're good to go

Would something like this make much difference? I'm only just starting to feel the cold on my lower body, but it's going to get even colder over the next few weeks. I'm more concerned about my hands, I'm sick of them being numb after just 15 minutes of cycling. I'm considering getting something like these Altura winter gloves as they look as though they'd be warmer, but I'm not sure how much they would restrict movement.

That's pretty much what I use. I've got Karrimor ones that I picked up cheap, without the foot loops. The good thing is they are tight and I can tuck my t-shirt securely into them. Pick some where the seams are nice and flat and smooth. I've heard some cheaper tights can chafe a bit. Can't comment on the gloves, but you get used to them. The key is your fingers are actually warm enough to grab for the brakes when they need to work

Another day, another p*ture. Really not having a lot of luck at the moment.

And I think my rear dérailleur is damaged.

Dude, you're not doing well. I've been quite lucky really, only 2 since June and one of those was a defective tube.

 

[platypus]

Just need to find one that won't leave me looking too silly while walking down the road and we're good to go

The one I posted in the thread earlier was €8 from decathlon, and its bloody great.

 

[weescott]

Went out for a c15mile ride today, 9 miles on road, the rest on fireroad and a little bit of singletrack. Not that I could see any of the singletrack for the snow we had last night/today.

 

[platypus]

Where are you to get snow like that at this time?